MUMBAI: In the UK there is strong demand for watching television delivered over mobile phones. However people prefer watching mobile television at home rather than when they travel.
Telecom firm O2 conducted a trial at Oxford. O2 started TV trials using the DVB-H technology in Oxford last September.
It suggests consumers watch more mobile TV if offered more channels. BT/Virgin offered just three channels and users watched an average of 66 minutes a week. But users of the Arqiva/O2 service, which had 16 channels, watched three hours a week.
O2's trial showed that usage was heaviest in the morning, at lunchtime and in the early evening. O2 was particularly surprised to find that 36% of viewing was at home, more than at work or on public transport.
Overall, 83 per cent of those surveyed said they were satisfied with the service. 76 per cent of the respondents said that they would sign up for one costing up to ?10 a month - twice what users of the BT/Virgin service said they would pay.
The channels being ofered cover different genres including soaps, sports and music. There is also a 'specialist channels' with shopping and gaming.